In recognition of their innovation and resilience the duo from Eugowra took the 2023 Farmer of the Year crown at an awards ceremony in Canberra yesterday, after a competitive selection process.
Kondinin Group's General Manager of Research, Ben White, said Tess and Andrew were outstanding recipients of the 2023 award.
"The Herbert's innovative mindset has put them in a significant position to successfully navigate business and environmental challenges while maintaining a passion for farming," White said.
"Their extension to lot feeding, investment in infrastructure, use of technology across multiple areas of the farm and their involvement within the industry and their local community is substantial and deserving of praise."
Tess and Andrew will join the other award winners in a Leadership Program Workshop today, supported by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The program aims to build the leadership capacity of the award winners, grow their industry networks and build their communication skills.
2023 Australian Farmer of the Year Award Winners
NSW farming duo Tess and Andrew Herbert took the 2023 Australian Farmer of the Year crown for their innovation and resilience, which put them in a significant position to successfully navigate business and environmental challenges.
Young Farmer of the Year (Sponsored by McDonald's Australia)
Victorian orchardist Mitchell McNab's consideration of progressive management practices and introduction of agtech to support efficient farming earnt him the title of the 2023 Young Farmer of the Year.
Award for Excellence in Innovation (Sponsored by Corteva Agriscience)
NSW farmer Tony Single was recognised for his forethought and planning, which ensured his farm was able to withstand environment changes and continue evolving as a progressive cropping and livestock enterprise.
Award for Excellence in Technology (Sponsored by New Holland)
Queensland farmer Ray Taylor took out the 2023 Excellence in Technology Award for his sophisticated application of technology on their family-owned and operated farm in Robertson.
Award for Excellence in Diversification and Sustainability
Future-focused Victorian farmer Mark Foletta's commitment to farm health and producing quality food, combined with the close relationships he has built with his customers, impressed the judges and earnt him the award for Excellence in Diversification and Sustainability.
Queensland's Dr Robert Magarey was recognised for his research within the Australian sugarcane industry and signification contribution to the science of plant pathology.
Rural Community Leader of the Year
Rural Women's Day founder Jackie Elliott won the 2023 Rural Community Leader of the Year award for her work in connecting rural and regional women through community, collaboration and celebration.
NSW Rural Consultant Ingrid Roth was recognised for supporting rural industries, research organisations and communities around Australia, and her practical knowledge and expertise.
Agricultural Student of the Year (Sponsored by AgriFutures Australia)
Western Australian Ag student Jay Elliot was awarded the 2023 Ag Student of the Year award for her enthusiasm and dedication to her studies.
The Kondinin Group and ABC Rural 2023 Australian Farmer of the Year Awards is grateful for industry support from National Farmers' Federation, AgSafe, Goldacres, Blundstone as well as from Leadership Program supporter the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry.
